If there is no water in the pool, it will soon resemble a garbage house as dirt and debris accumulates and sits on the ground. It doesn’t matter whether you swim regularly or take long breaks; the water should be in there so that you are ready to swim anytime you want. But it’s not that easy since pool water requires maintenance, and chlorination is an important part.

If it’s not being used, do you still have to add chlorine? Well, that is not exactly how the case is. For a certain time, the water can sit in a pool without chlorine, but to keep it clean, you need to know how long it can be.

If you have a pool and you are concerned about keeping the pool water safe and in good condition, do read this article as here we are going to explore how long water can sit in a pool without chlorine. With this, you can make sure the chlorine is added at the right time, preventing extra use of the chemical.

How long can water sit in a pool without chlorine treatment?

An average-sized swimming pool takes hundreds of gallons of water to fill, and for that reason, we all want to use the water for the maximum time. However, to keep the water clean and free from bacteria, chlorine is necessary. Draining and refilling are not an option, and at the same time, chlorine consumption is a matter of huge concern.

Without chlorine, the water needs to be drained out after you are done swimming. However, the water can sit in a pool without chlorine for 3 to 6 days, but that too is subject to the other factors, for example, the size of the pool, the usage, and of course, the visible water condition.

If you are using the pool regularly, you may not be able to retain water for more than 24 hours. That is because the water will have algae and bacteria all over and the dust too.

For that reason, chemical treatment is necessary, and it is the only way to retain pool water for a long time.

In any case, if some accident takes place, such as a bowel movement, you have to clean the pool right away, no matter whether you have been using the chemicals or not.

As we move forward, do you know exactly what chlorine does to your pool water and how it helps keep the water clean and safe? It’s crucial that you know so that you don’t skip treating pool water with chlorine after the safe time period is passed. Let’s discuss the details and see what chlorine does to the pool water.

How does chlorine help clean the pool water?

For centuries, chlorine has been used as a cleaning agent, and the reason is that it has been proven to be the most effective.

For as long as swimming water is concerned, chlorine has been considered an integral part of the water treatment process. It helps eliminate harmful bacteria such as E. coli, gets rid of algae, stabilizes the water, and helps maintain its clarity and quality. Additionally, chlorine is useful in destroying germs in a pool, such as those from feces, urine, spittle, and other stuff. With a balance, chlorine is safe to be used as it does no harm to humans.

What happens if chlorine is not added to pool water?

You know what chlorine does; it helps eliminate germs, bacteria, and contamination.

If the pool water is not treated with chlorine, you can see what will happen. The pool will be full of viruses, bugs, and organisms.

Stagnant water is home to insects and bacteria. Algae and germs will start to grow in stagnant water in no time. Therefore, it is suggested to drain water after use or after 24 hours.

The possibility of exposure to things that are not contained or killed by chlorine makes swimming without chlorine more dangerous because it makes you susceptible to more health problems. It can contain all sorts of germs that can prove to be deadly for your health. Surely, you will never swim if you aren’t sure about the hygiene of the water.

Conclusion

Twenty-four hours is the time duration water can sit in a pool without chlorine. If left more than that, it will be home to harmful bacteria, and the dust and debris will result in water discoloration. All in all, it won’t be feasible to swim in the water after 24 hours if left without chemicals.

However, you can take it a few more days in conditions where the pool is not in use, built inside, or is covered. In that case, the water may sit for 3 to 6 days.

Considering the effects of not adding chlorine to pool water, it is suggested not to leave the water without it for more than a day if you want to retain water for a long time. After all, it is all about your and your family’s health and wellbeing.